by Eugene Dimitriadis
Most members will have known Ian for many years. Even at the age of 93, I was saddened and shocked but not surprised to hear he had died before I had a chance to see him again. So this is a very personal tribute based on memories and shared experiences Ian and I had at meetings and many thousands of km we travelled together across Vic, Sth Australia and NSW. We met about 30 years ago at The Doncaster Wood Show where I was spruiking the IWCS under an umbrella on the lawns. The table displayed wood books, IWCS magazines and interesting samples. All designed to attract interest, stimulate conversation and recruit new members. Ian MacLaughlin and Jane La Scala joined around that time. Ian was such a gentle man, curious with such an interesting background. We soon became close friends and enjoyed broad discussions about trees, wood anatomy, his forestry training and experiences. He and Bette became active members and we had many enjoyable meetings at Jane’s large house in Ivanhoe. There Ian presented early courses in wood identification to a very interested group of members, typically totalling 15-20. They were happy days together. Ian organised an enjoyable meeting with Jugo Ilic in the CSIRO wood labs before they closed.
As a keen field collector, Ian always attempted to identify wood correctly. He (like me) didn’t like to arouse attention, so bought and used a quiet electric chainsaw for occasional trimming from fallen trees, especially on the roadside. He (unlike me) was skilled in the art of woodworking, turning, carving and making items of furniture. In Bendigo he was a co-founding member of the Bendigo Woodworkers Club. He was formally trained in forestry and dendrology at Creswick Forestry School in the 40s. It’s now part of Melbourne University. He had connection to and with early wood anatomy pioneers including Eric Dadswell. In more recent years he helped recover and save most of what remained of the famous Dadswell wood collection. With the help of other diligent members in his workshop he recovered what was possible from this vouchered collection. It remains spread across IWCS members as well as into the Creswick wood sample collection. What a fine legacy he leaves with his devotion to wood science by using his skills and dedication. Travelling to South Australia together was a common practice when we would share driving and stop at Coonawarra overnight to visit a daughter where she was a winemaker. We both enjoyed fine wine together with meals. Stopping at Murray Bridge he enjoyed a few hours with a son operating his tyre business there. Long drives were always enjoyable for the conversations we had which covered politics (in IWCS, national and international affairs), family and friends, interesting discoveries in science, in botany and wood, and even astronomy which we both had an interest in. He had a telescope and loved to discuss the mysteries of the universe and deep space. We covered a lot of ground and many subjects over many years including the many mysteries of human nature.
When I travelled or stayed with Ian, I recall (and admired) his meticulous method in preparing breakfasts. These were evident when he always squeezed his own fresh orange juice and blended his magic mix of healthy cereals. He kept his books, woods and microscope in a similar good order. We often discussed the divestment of his wood samples, (how, when, pricing, why and to whom), I agreed to help in this divestment if it was needed. During a visit I was asked to help select books to sell or to donate to IWCS (through our auctions). Most of his wood sample collection have been sold or donated I was relieved to hear. His contributions to the society are many and were recognised with an Honorary Life Membership by his Bendigo Wood Club as well as IWCS. Speaking of divestment: we travelled to Sydney with a trailer to help clear the Bob Goldsack wood and book collection after Bob’s death. It was great to see Gail who helped with the segregation of books. We both enjoyed Bob’s wit and company whenever we were together. On one occasion we three shared a cabin in Belair National Park in SA. The stories, fun and humour were incredible. So much so that I fell over in a fit not being able to catch my breath while laughing! I recall the meeting focus was on wood anatomy and identification with Jim Schubert showing his wood slides and microscopes. Bob’s academic (chemistry) background meant that Bob and I were often discussing scientific matters which Ian contributed to and enjoyed enormously. We returned to Bendigo where the wood samples and slides and many books from Bob’s studies were segregated. We agreed they would be distributed among IWCS members. This subject (the disbursement of our wood collections and those under our care) was a hot subject with Ian, one we often discussed and always agreed on.
I attended Ian’s funeral in Bendigo a few weeks ago with a few IWCS members. Sadly, I missed an earlier meeting that David Alexander organised due to a tyre blowout on the outskirts of Melbourne. It would have been my last chance to see Ian. His funeral was all I expected it to be .. simple, dignified and respectful to those who attended and meant most in his long life. The flowering wattle (our national flower Acacia pycnantha) and the red and white cap (for Sydney Swans) were parting symbols to those who knew him. His life was long and well-lived. Thank you for all the good times and memories Ian.